Friday, November 13, Saturday, November 14, and Sunday, November 15, 2026: The weather today will be partly sunny, with a slight chance of rain after 1:00 PM and highs in the upper 50s. West winds of around 6 to 9 mph. The chance of rain is 20%. Saturday will be mostly cloudy and cooler, with a chance of rain mainly after 1:00 PM and highs in the mid 40s. The chance of rain is 30%. Sunday will be partly sunny, with highs in the upper 40s.
Happy Friday the 13th! After yesterday’s mild mid-60s, the weekend takes a chillier turn, so grab a warm layer if you’re heading out Saturday.
Maryland Fishing Report for November 11: Fall fishing around Deep Creek Lake and the upper Potomac offers great success for smallmouth bass, walleye, and chain pickerel as aquatic grass beds recede. Anglers can also target holdover trout with small spinners or find schooling crappie near bridge piers and sunken wood.
Maryland Fall Foliage Report for November 12, 2026: Foliage across Maryland is now past peak, with trees near Assateague Island among the last to change colors. There is still plenty of natural beauty left to explore, as vibrant leaves remain in spots alongside fallen autumn foliage, wildflowers, and mushrooms.
Young hunters, Saturday, November 14, is Junior Deer Hunt Day statewide for hunters 16 and under, and on Sunday the hunt is open on private land in Garrett County. Everyone in the woods both days must wear blaze orange or pink, so hikers, please wear bright colors too!
The Garrett County Board of Education approved a virtual learning plan for winter weather this school year. The three snow days built into the calendar will be used first, and only after those can the superintendent move schools to virtual learning, with paper packets going home for pre-K students and families without internet.
A new analysis finds that a typical Garrett County family of four faces an estimated $1,414 bill to see a Pittsburgh Steelers game at Acrisure Stadium this season. Accounting for tickets, parking, food, and gas, that single outing equals roughly 20% of a local family’s monthly pre-tax income.
Good news for Friendsville families: a $200,000 Program Open Space grant will cover most of the cost of a brand-new playground at Friendsville Elementary School, with installation planned between March and May 2027.
Three Garrett County census tracts, Friendsville/Hoyes, Kitzmiller/Bloomington, and Mountain Lake Park/Loch Lynn, are among Maryland’s new federal Opportunity Zones, offering tax benefits for qualifying investments starting January 1, 2027.
Friendsville residents living within town limits can pick up gallon drinking water at Town Hall, 945 Community Drive, Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. If those hours don’t work, call Town Hall at 301-746-5919 to arrange another time.
Congratulations to Tom Bosley and Scott Damon, Southern Garrett High School’s 2026 Hall of Fame inductees! RAM Proud!
Cold and flu season is here, and Garrett County Partners in Children’s Health is sharing healthy habits to help protect kids from RSV, flu, and COVID-19, like washing hands for at least 20 seconds and keeping sick children home.
Garrett County arts leaders recently attended the state A&E Convening in Frederick to share rural funding strategies and explore creative placemaking. The event highlighted how public art and community spaces can strengthen local identity and inspire new ideas for Western Maryland’s arts districts.
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and the Garrett County Health Department’s CPEST program offers free low-dose CT lung screening to eligible county residents. Call 301-334-7770 to see if you qualify.
The Rural Maryland Council has announced its Fiscal Year 2027 Rural Health Transformation Program grant recipients, part of an effort to expand rural access to nutritious, Maryland-grown food.
Planning a getaway for next year? Railey Vacations’ Early Black Friday Sale is on, with up to 40% off 4- to 7-night stays at participating properties using promo code BLACKFRIYAY40 when you book by November 25 for select spring and fall 2027 dates (summer and major holidays excluded). And if you’re dreaming of a place of your own, Railey Realty can set you up with property alerts.
Parents, keep an eye out: Sylvan Learning of Garrett County says something big is coming this Black Friday, with its best deal of the year on the way. Follow along on their Facebook page or join their email list at sylvanlearning.com to be the first to know.
Plan ahead for your next mountain getaway by checking out the upcoming Black Friday travel deals and special promotions for 2027 at Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations. [Ad]
Anglers, there’s still time! Fishing season at Broadford Lake Park in Oakland runs through November 30, open 7:00 AM to dusk daily. The 140-acre lake is best known for its panfish, and boats are limited to electric motors.
Big news from The LakeFront Magazine: they’ll be working closely with the Garrett County Historical Society on a newly announced project, so stay tuned! Their latest post also celebrates October’s county proclamations for National 4-H Week, I Can Swim’s 15 years, Brenda’s Body Shop’s 45 years, and the Arts Council’s 50 years.
Already dreaming of summer on the lake? Fun Time Watersports, an authorized Godfrey boat and Yamaha dealer, has an End of Season Sale on several 2021 and 2024 Jet Skis starting at $2,750. Call Dave at (301) 616-4534 for details.
Craving comfort food? Cabin Lodge Grill is known for its Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, Chicken & Waffle Cone, and fresh-cut French fries that everybody loves, and you can order online. Give them a call at (301) 750-6662 to check off-season hours.
Disc golfers had a spooky good time at the Halloween Disc Golf Glo Round at Deep Creek Lake Lions Club Park! The park at 1249 Bumble Bee Road in Accident also has a dog park, the Meshach Browning Trails and History Center, and the Blind Skier and Camper Art Garden for a crisp fall outing.
Winter adventurers, the Deep Creek Adventure Bureau trail guide covers nine trail systems and three ski resorts, and many of the trails welcome cross-country skiing or snowshoeing once the snow flies. Resort opening days are still to be announced, so check back as the season gets closer.
Thinking about buying at the lake? Taylor-Made Deep Creek Sales offers real estate services in Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania from its office at 35 Towne Centre Way in McHenry, and sister company Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations handles vacation rentals if you’d like to try lake life first.
Since 2016, the Deep Creek Watershed Foundation has been raising funds for projects that put the Watershed Management Plan into action to preserve and protect the Deep Creek Watershed. Learn more about their work on their website.
Thank you to everyone who came out for StageWEST‘s 2026 season! Their 2027 season is coming soon, so stay tuned.
Snowmobilers, you can pick up snowmobile permits (decals) at the New Germany State Park office during operating hours, though riding isn’t permitted inside the park. Planning a stay? The park is upgrading its water system and wastewater treatment plant in 2026-2027, so cabins, campsites, and pavilions will close at various times, and you can set a “Notify me” alert on the reservation site.
Campers planning ahead, all campsites at Big Run State Park, at the mouth of the Savage River Reservoir, are by reservation (call 1-888-432-CAMP or book online). Beginning May 2027, Big Run Road will close 1,000 feet north of Savage River Road for up to four months while a culvert is replaced with a new bridge.
Hikers, the 1.25-mile self-guided interpretive trail in the Kindness Demonstration Area at Garrett State Forest explains forest management along the way, and leashed pets are welcome throughout the roughly 19,000-acre forest. Heads-up: Lostland Run Road is closed at Campsite 22 due to unsafe bridge conditions.
History buffs, the 80-foot span at Casselman River Bridge State Park was built in 1813 and was the longest single-span stone arch bridge in the United States at the time. The bridge and surrounding area are closed for safety reasons, but anglers can still fish the DNR-stocked Casselman River outside the park.
Over in Lonaconing, 481-acre Dans Mountain State Park is open 8:00 AM to sunset, with four large group pavilions, a recycled-tire playground, and a fishing pond to enjoy on a crisp fall day.
Kick off the weekend with acoustic duo Campfire Gypsies at Honi-Honi Bar tonight at 8:00 PM, playing all your favorites from America to Pearl Jam, and then Pittsburgh’s classic rock, blues, and Southern rock tribute show, the Bill Ali Band, takes the stage Saturday at 8:00 PM. [Ad]
Last call for tickets to the Murder Mystery Dinner Party: The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year at Wisp Resort this Saturday from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM! It’s $49.99 per person for a four-course dinner and an interactive comedy whodunit, and tickets must be purchased in advance. [Ad]
Spread some Christmas cheer! Herbal Earth Apothecary is partnering with Friendsville Girl Scout Troop 10249 on a toy drive for local children and families. Drop off new, unwrapped toys at the shop on Maple Street in Friendsville through November 30 (today 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM) or at the Friendsville Library. [Ad]
Sunday, November 15 is the donation deadline to sponsor a Thanksgiving basket with The Savoy Team and its Just ONE Kid charity, so comment on their post or send them a message to get involved. [Ad]
Round up your crew for Team Bingo at Mountain State Brewing Co. in Deep Creek Lake on Sunday at 1:00 PM. [Ad]
Year-round residents, this one’s for you: Locals’ Night at Dutch’s at SilverTree is every Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m. Take your receipt to the hostess stand after dinner and get a gift card back for 20% of your subtotal to use next time. Call 301-387-0525 for more information.
Find the perfect holiday gifts, festive decor, and Deep Creek Lake apparel at Bear Creek Traders. Open daily in Market Square, they carry favorites like Beekman 1802, Duke Cannon, and Thompson’s Candle. Stop in today! [Ad]
Take a break before the holiday rush at Herbal Earth Apothecary’s Full Moon Sound Bath on November 24 at 6:00 PM. Bring a yoga mat, blanket, and pillow to get cozy at 253 Maple Street in Friendsville, and reserve your spot early since space is limited. [Ad]
Puzzle lovers can gather for Puzzle Club today from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the Ruth Enlow Library in Grantsville, with light refreshments.
The free, adults-only Pink Floyd laser light show lights up the Hickory Environmental Education Center planetarium tonight at 6:00 PM. Seats must be reserved in advance with planetarium director Jason Shank, and donations are greatly appreciated.
Beyond the Stage presents the Tony Award-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen at the Performing Arts Center at Garrett College tonight and Saturday at 7:00 PM, and Sunday at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students, plus a small service fee.
Saturday morning, stop by the Mountain Fresh Farmers Market at the Mountain Fresh Pavilion in downtown Oakland from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Grab your binoculars and dress warmly for Waterfowl ID at Herrington Manor State Park on Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM. A ranger will help you spot the migratory ducks and geese on Herrington Lake, and spotting scopes are provided. Meet at the Herrington Manor Boat Launch.
Gamers, the Grantsville Library is hosting a Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Entry is free, everyone is welcome, and there are prizes for the winners!
Feeling lucky? The Oakland Elks Cash Bash is Saturday at Oakland Elks Lodge #2481, with doors opening at 12:00 PM and cash drawings every 15 minutes from 1:00 PM – 4:45 PM, capped by a $3,000 final prize. Tickets are $30, include wings and draft beer, and only 500 will be sold. You must be 21 or older to attend.
Kids can make a Ping Pong Ball Snowman at Crafternoon on Saturday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM at the Ruth Enlow Library in Oakland. All materials are provided, and registration is required.
Paint and personalize ceramic holiday keepsakes with Deep Creek Pottery at the 5th Annual Classic Holiday Workshop on Saturday from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Performing Arts Center at Garrett College. No experience is needed, and walk-ins are welcome while supplies last.
Design your own salamander at the Salamander 101 Craft on Saturday at 3:00 PM at Herrington Manor State Park. There’s a $5 supply fee, payable at the Ranger Station front desk.
Bring your quarters! The Southern Garrett County Rescue Squad Auxiliary hosts a Quarter Auction on Saturday at SGCRS, 200 Baltimore Avenue in Oakland. Doors open at 4:30 PM and paddles go up at 6:00 PM. Tickets are $20 for a paddle and a chance at 40 baskets, and all proceeds benefit the rescue squad.
Read whatever you like and chat with friends old and new at the Silent Book Club of Oakland on Sunday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM at the Green Room Lounge.
Looking ahead, planning work around the lake? The Deep Creek Lake Management Office is holding a Contractor & Public Information Meeting on Thursday, November 19, at 5:00 PM at the Discovery Center to go over regulations for work on the Buffer Strip and Conservation Easement. It’s open to contractors, property owners, and anyone interested.
Garrett County’s holiday kickoff, the 19th Annual Festival of Trees, returns to the Fairgrounds Heritage Hall in McHenry on Friday, November 27, from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Saturday, November 28, from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Admission is $5, and it benefits the Dove Center.
Get ready for ski season at Ullr Fest at Wisp Resort on Friday, November 27, from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, honoring the Norse god of winter with a DJ and a grand bonfire. It’s a family-friendly, all-ages event with no cover charge and free parking. [Ad]
Looking for more weekend fun? Check out our live music lineup and outdoor adventures around Deep Creek Lake!
